Indochine

Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam are filled with lyrical images that transport visitors into another world: gold-leafed pagodas glinting in the tropical sun, ornate French Colonial architecture under a canopy of frangipani trees, straw-roofed sampans drifting down languid rivers, young monks draped in saffron-colored robes. Our journey brings us into the heart of Indochine for cultural encounters with the rich ethnic mosaic of its peoples, whom we meet in their villages, schools, homes, and temples. We find the irresistible treasures of Indochine in settings like Luang Prabang, the heart of the old Lao kingdom, with its tranquil rural rhythms and dramatic setting on the Mekong, in breathtaking Halong Bay, and in Hoi An, Vietnam’s beautiful 16th century trading port. Our journey ends with a visit to Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s surreal, jungle-shrouded city of temples.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-4
Luang Prabang, Laos

The ancient royal capital of Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang is a regal town of gilded temples encircled by mountains. Here, we stroll the atmospheric streets, visit 15th century shrines, boat up the winding Mekong River to the Buddhist caves at Pak Ou, and explore villages of the Hmong and Khamu hilltribes.

Days 5-6
Hanoi, Vietnam

In this thousand-year-old city on the Red River, bicycle rickshaws are the ideal way to explore the narrow streets of the 15th century Old Quarter. Our visits include the excellent Museum of Ethnology.

Day 7
Private Junk on Halong Bay

A World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is a magical setting of thousands of sheer limestone islands jutting out of a jade-green sea. Our overnight cruise aboard a traditional junk gives us the chance to capture the evening and early morning vistas of this ethereal setting.

Days 8-9
Hue

In Hue, Vietnam’s ancient cultural capital, we visit the majestic Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty, journey by private “dragon boat” up the Perfume River, explore the Thien Mu Pagoda, and roam the vibrant Dong Ba Central Market.

Days 10-12
Danang / Hoi An / Saigon

A spectacular drive along a magnificent coastline brings us to the riverside town of Hoi An, an enchanting place where the sense of the past is ever present. We explore narrow streets with well-preserved 17th century architecture dating to the time when the town was a trading port in silk and porcelain, and sample delicious cao lau noodles, unique to Hoi An. On Day 12, we discover fascinating Saigon.

Days 13-16
Angkor Wat, Cambodia

We explore Angkor Wat, with its hundreds of intricately carved temples scattered across the landscape. Built between the 9th and 13th centuries to glorify a succession of Khmer kings, the temples are massive and majestic, with imposing gateways and towers, huge moats, and colossal sculptured Buddha images—all in a wonderful jungle setting. Depart from Siem Reap in the afternoon of Day 16.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 1+, or easiest. It is an overland cultural adventure, and for the most part, physical activity is light but we still encourage participants to get in shape for the trip because travel to remote places does require some physical stamina. Please note that you are visiting areas where tourism has been relatively limited. We ask that you make a special effort to bring flexibility and a spirit of adventure to this unique journey.

Explanation of Trip Levels